I asked a group of F1 enthusiasts, which would be their dream destination to watch F1 live. Some lazy bones said I’d only go when India opens its own circuit. Most said Monaco and others said Singapore.

When questioned further the reasons cited brought about some interesting comparisons and contrasts. Monaco: one of the oldest circuits in the season, was inaugurated in 1929. Racing on its narrow streets is rather mockingly likened to riding a bicycle around your bathroom or like Nelson Piquet jested, “like flying a helicopter in the living room!”

For us spectators, the more challenging the circuit the greater the thrill. World Champion Lewis Hamilton was reported to have said that it [Singapore] was twice as hard to negotiate as the more famous Monaco street circuit, and unexpectedly physical – requiring double the amount of energy over a single lap as compared to the Monaco circuit. This was because the roads are rather bumpy and the turns tough to negotiate at such high speeds.

Reigning Champion Lewis Hamilton

The streets of Monaco have always pushed the skills of the drivers to the maximum and now Singapore even more so! Another interesting comparison is with the tunnel in Monaco – a bone of contention, owing to the abrupt shift from light to dark and into light again. Singapore’s circuit gives the same feel – almost – when it ducks under the Bay Grandstand between turn 18 and 19.

While Singapore can’t compare when it comes to Monaco’s history, the newness of its circuit is a definite plus for viewing pleasure. Plus, Singapore’s proximity to India has a definite advantage – yes this is the cold-blooded practical angle. However, it really isn’t all that cold-blooded. The race action is over-heated with all the stress and tentions of the track. AND AND AND… you can’t call any place where Beyonce and Fergie are playing to the crowd cold-blooded now can you! *wink*

Last year was special coz it’s the first year, this year is special-ER because there is so so much more!

So how do we go about getting there? Don’t fret, there are a set of travel packages that have been designed to be completely hassle-free, easy to book and really good deals as well!

Check out the packages put together by Travel Tours on this really helpful website. So for those who don’t want to leave the comfort of their couch until a circuit comes to India. Don’t wait around, coz the last one there is as good as…Badoer! Yup, you heard me!

Jenson Button has proved that having the best car is the ticket to success. How much does the driver really matter?

Well if the driver doesn’t matter then why are World Champions paid so much? Why are they coveted and sought after? Get a decent driver and a fast car and that should do right? The race stats this year seems to tilt the argument in the favour of the constructor!

Hamilton said that the KERS power boost system helped beat Raikkonen and Webber at Hungary. He admitted that with KERS “anything can happen”.

Ferrari and McLaren have been constantly pursuing KERS and Costa, Ferrari’s technical director admits that it has helped improve lap timings. Ferrari’s improved performance at Monaco’s street circuit definitely brings their hopes with Valencia around the corner as well as the much talked about night race at Singapore.

Singapore has much to offer this season. Not only is it the thrill of the circuit, Alonso’s win last year and its many mishaps has a lot of ardent fans, me included looking forward to what it could bring this year.

Will KERS change the course of fate? Will the streets expanded circuits, enhanced for over-taking bring about an optimum use of KERS. I guess we will only have to wait with bated breath!